Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Governor has approved the sum of N25 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants in the state.
Umaru also announced the approval of the promotion of all civil servant due for promotion with immediate effect.
The governor announced free rides in Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses for students, health workers and security forces in the state, with civil servants paying discounted rates.
The Governor made the disclosure during the inauguration of 200 CNG buses, 50 security vehicles, 50 calibrated trucks for refuse disposal, and 50 transformers at the Trade Fair Complex Minna on Wednesday to mark his first anniversary in office.
The governor, also promised the residents of the state more dividends of democracy, urged them to remain committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, saying the president spurred them to achieve this much in the first year.
“Exactly this time last year we inaugurated this government. Today, in commemoration of one year in office, we are here inaugurating yet other projects in line with the vision of the Federal Government to reduce the suffering of the common man.
“We are here to inaugurate 200 CNG buses, 50 security buses and transformers. These CNG buses will carry students, health workers and security forces for free, while civil servants will ride the buses at a discount.
“I have approved N25bn for pensions and gratuity, promotion of any civil servant that has been stagnant in one position for a long time and the renovation of the judiciary complex and the state secretariat,” he said.
Talking about President Tinubu, the governor said, “We need a father like him to push us to success. This is his doing.”
The governor promised to procure more CNG buses, adding that he would make provision for the purchase of 800 more buses.
“The CNG buses will reach 1,000 in six months. We will also purchase 1,000 electric vehicles. We are the leading state in green energy and we are planting 1.5 million trees this year,” he said.
